Lausanne: 9 unmissable autumn experiences (Sponsored)

There is a big benefit to Lausanne’s slopey topography alongside Lake Geneva: thanks to the southern exposure, Lausanne is often sun-drenched and fog-less.

During autumn when the nearby grapevines turn yellow, this gem of a town gains a particular charm. The cobblestone alleys still emit warmth and the sun rays are increasingly soft. The locals can be seen meeting up for an apéro, and there are surely less crowds than during the peak season.

So, why not clear your schedule and spend some time in Lausanne this autumn? From festivals to guided tours, there is an exciting line-up of events that makes this autumn the best time to visit Lausanne.

Lutry Grape Harvest Festival (Sept 27 - 29, 2019)

In essence, the Lutry Grape Harvest Festival offers three days of celebrations and concerts for all ages. For the 73rd annual festival, more than twenty wine cellars will open their doors. This is a great chance to taste local vintages in an authentic setting. For those up to the challenge, Lutry will also host some wine tasting competitions...

(Copyright Lausanne Tourisme)

The little ones will surely enjoy the merry-go-rounds and other entertainment. On Sunday at 3 PM, there will be a parade of up to 600 school children - one of the definite highlights of the festival (12 francs per adult).

From the Lausanne train station, walk to the Georgette bus stop and take bus #9 to Grand-Pont. Alternatively, hop on the S1 or S3 train lines to the Lutry stop.

Autumn's Fondue (Sept 29, 2019)

The recipe for the third annual autumn's fondue is simple: take the backdrop of Valency Park in the shades of autumn and add the panoramic view over Lake Geneva. On long tables, delicious cheese fondue made of Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP and Gruyères AOP will be served alongside local wine varieties from the various booths.

The event takes place from noon until 4 PM, and it will be rescheduled to Oct 6 in the case of rain. The cost per person for the fondue is 20 francs.

(Copyright Lausanne Tourism/Laurent Kaczor)

Platform 10 Arts District Public Opening (Oct 5, 2019)

Just a few minutes from the train station, Lausanne is about to open a new arts district. Platform 10 will be home to three museums: the Cantonal Fine Arts Museum, the Musée de l’Elysée and the mudac Museum of Design and Contemporary Arts.

(Copyright PLATEFORME 10, mudac et Musée l'Elysée; Aires Mateus e Associados; mcb-a: Estudio Barozzi Veiga)

Thanks to a number of restaurants, relaxation zones and boutiques, Platform 10 will also serve as an urban living space. On Oct 5, attend the public inauguration and be among the first to post about it on social media...

Lausanne Marathon (Oct 27, 2019)

Between Lausanne and La Tour-de-Peilz, in a unique and magnificent setting that is part of UNESCO World Heritage, some 13’600 joggers will set off.

At the Lausanne Marathon, everyone gets to choose the length of their run, from a full marathon to a semi-marathon, a 10k for running or for Nordic walking.

(Copyright Lausanne Tourism/diapo.ch)
 

Boat Cruise on Lake Geneva

We love Lausanne's own port at Ouchy. From there, the boats of the General Navigation Company will take you to forty different ports on the Swiss or French shores of Lake Geneva.

So, whether you are on a romantic date or would like to indulge in a gourmet cruise, a boat cruise on Lake Geneva is a perfect activity for a warm autumn day.

(Copyright P. Waterton)

"Sweet Lausanne" Guided Tour

Discover the magic of Lausanne and its secrets as part of a guided tour. Your certified guide will explain all the subtleties of Lausanne, from ancient and modern architecture to the most picturesque spots and happening places.

(Copyright Lausanne Tourism/Laurent Kaczor)

As a conclusion and to make the Sweet Lausanne experience unforgettable, a delicious surprise will be waiting for you… What’s not to like about Sweet Lausanne?

"Taste My Swiss City" Food Tour

Here's one for all the foodies out there. Learn about Lausanne's culinary side by joining a food tour. What is unique about this tour is that the starter, the main course and the dessert are all served in three different locations in the heart of the city.

(Copyright Lausanne Tourism/Laurent Kaczor)

Each location is recommended by a local food expert, so you will be sure to have an authentic sensory experience as you taste your way through Lausanne.

Lausanne Cathedral

At the heart of the old town, the majestic Lausanne Cathedral overlooks the city. Seen as one of the most beautiful gothic art monuments in Europe, it attracts more than 400’000 visitors every year. Could you be one of them?

(Copyright Lausanne Tourism/Rita Scenzy)
 

The UNESCO listed vineyard terraces of Lavaux

Right at the footsteps of Lausanne lie some of the most beautiful scenery Switzerland has to offer. During autumn, the vineyard terraces of Lavaux will glow in the sunlight, setting the scene for an unforgettable walk.

Under protection of UNESCO World Heritage, the Lavaux vineyard terraces are criss-crossed with marked trails that offer stunning views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. If the slopes get too much, little trains on wheels will be there to give you a lift...

(Copyright Lausanne Tourism/Sébastien Staub. This post is sponsored by Lausanne Tourism.)